Classic WWF Pay-Per-Views: 1992

Arguable, this was the greatest Royal Rumble. The Pay-Per-View as a whole may not be the strongest, but the actual Royal Rumble Match featured a supreme array of talent. Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan were on commentary. The Brain was always biased, but his favoritism towards “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, whom he served as a financial advisor, made for some marvelously desperate heel color commentary… You have to be “fair to Flair.”

The New Foundation (Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart & “The Rocket” Owen Hart) defeated The New Orient Express (Tanaka & Kato) in the opener. An okay match, but didn’t live up to the match The Orient Express had with The Rockers (Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty) at the previous Royal Rumble. Speaking of the Hart Family, the only marquee talent absent from this PPV was Bret “Hit Man” Hart, who had lost the Intercontinental Championship to The Mountie at a non-televised event. However, The Mountie would be a short-lived title holder, losing the belt to “Rowdy” Roddy Piper on this show. Hard to believe, but this was the first championship won by The Hot Rod in the WWF. Piper would also be pulling double duty, wrestling in singles action and competing in the Royal Rumble Match.

The Bushwackers (Luke & Butch) w/ Jamison in their corner defeated The Beverley Brothers (Beau & Blake) w/ The Genius in their corner. Talk about a jobber match. This Jamison guy was a slimy imbecile and I still don‘t know which Beverley Brother was which. It was agreeable to see The Genius back at a PPV for the first time since almost two years, but this is still a match that warrants pressing the fast-forward button on your remote control. The Legion of Doom (Hawk & Animal) lost to The Natural Disasters (Earthquake & Typhoon) via count out, so the L.O.D. held onto the WWF Tag Team Championships. A copout of a finish and I don’t believe the referee counted out the legal superstars, so technically this match should have ended on a draw. Either way, Animal & Hawk retained their gold.

Atypically, Sean Mooney conducted an interview of importance, which were usually reserved for “Mean” Gene Okerlund. He was roaming the locker room (set) and crossed paths with Shawn Michaels, who had recently dumped Mart Jannetty and brought an end to The Rockers. Footage was then shown of Michaels super-kicking Jannetty on an edition of The Barbershop (Brutus Beefcake’s interview segment). Michaels followed up on the super-kick by throwing Jannetty face first through a plate-glass window, that was part of the set. Shawn Michaels, who was not yet known as the “Heart Break Kid,” sported new threads and a new attitude. The wrester of the ‘90s had arrived.

Now, on to the greatest Royal Rumble Match of them all. WWF President Jack Tunney was booed heavily as he made the proclamation that the winner would be crowned the new and undisputed WWF Champion. Hulk Hogan had been referring to the president as “that no good” Jack Tunney. Bobby Heenan called him Jack “on the take” Tunney, so for the first time, the faces and the heels could agree on something. They all thought that their boss was a schmuck.

“The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith drew #1 and “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase drew #2. DiBiase had been a stellar performer in past rumbles, but Davey Boy eliminated him rather quickly. As DiBiase headed back to the locker room, he passed by entrant #3, “Nature Boy” Ric Flair. It was almost a visual cue, signifying Ric Flair as the new top heel in the WWF. Bobby Heenan was irate that Ric Flair drew such a low number. Actually, The Brain should’ve won some award for outstanding achievements in broadcasting because of his terrific commentary during this match. This is why this Royal Rumble was included on the Bobby Heenan DVD released in 2011.

The ring began to fill up with the likes of Shawn Michaels (#6), Tito Santana (#7), “The Texas Tornado” Kerry Von Erich (#9), Greg “The Hammer” Valentine (#11), and The Big Boss Man (#13). Eventually everyone but Ric Flair was eliminated, then “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, the new Intercontinental Champion, entered the match at #15. The crowd was buzzing as Piper had the opportunity to win both WWF singles championships on the same night. Jake “The Snake” Roberts came in at #16 and attacked both Piper and Flair, showing that a snake plays no favorites.

Both The Undertaker and Hulk Hogan received “preferential treatment,” getting to draw between #’s 20 & 30. The Undertaker pulled #20. If you look closely, you can see Jake Roberts waving Undertaker to the ring. Neither Gorilla Monsoon nor Bobby Heenan pointed this out, almost as if they had forgotten that Roberts and Undertaker were in cahoots just a few months prior. “Macho Man” Randy Savage was entrant #21. Savage was semi-retired for most of 1991, so it was good to see him back in action. Savage eliminated Roberts, then jumped over the top rope, but the referees allowed him to reenter the match. Every other time something like this has happened in Royal Rumble history, the superstar was eliminated, but I guess that Randy Savage deserves special treatment. Chalk it up to referee’s discretion.

Even though The Iron Sheik was billed as Col. Mustapha (#24), there were five former WWF Champions in this Royal Rumble. “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan, the winner of the past two rumbles, entered at #26. Sgt. Slaughter was #28, but his standing had fallen off big time since turning face and was eliminated (or should I say propelled over the top turnbuckle) by Sid Justice (#29). Ric Flair stayed in the ring for an hour, breaking the longevity record set by Rick “The Model” Martel (#25) the year prior. The Warlord drew #30, which should‘ve been to his distinct advantage, but he was eliminated almost immediately by Hogan and Sid. Bushwhacker Luke gets a bad wrap, but The Warlord should be ranked as one of the worst Royal Rumble participants of all time.

The final four were Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Sid Justice, and Randy Savage. Savage was eliminated without much fanfare, then Sid dumped Hogan over the top rope. Just like when Hulk lost the WWF Championship to The Undertaker at Survivor Series ‘91, the anti-Hulkamania fans were elated. Hulk, in heel like fashion, then pulled Sid over the top rope, allowing Ric Flair to win the match and the title. Flair didn’t stick around to celebrate as Hulk and Sid got into a shoving match in the ring. Once again, Hogan was being booed. If the intent was to turn Sid heel, then he should’ve been the one to pull Hulk out from the floor. This was already a transitional period in Hulkster’s career, with the initial wave of Hulkamania dieing down, so the WWF made a mistake by having him portray the sore loser. And one has to give Sid credit. He’s always been criticized for his limited technical wrestling ability, but he was always over with the fans. He was rarely booed even when feuding with the top baby-face in a promotion. A similar set of circumstances occurred when he defeated Shawn Michaels for the WWF Championship at Survivor Series ‘96.

Backstage, “Mean” Gene Okerlund interviewed Ric Flair and his esteemed entourage (“Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig and Bobby Heenan) after scolding an unseen individual for smoking while an interview was being conducted. Jack Tunney had a smug smile on his face when presenting the championship belt to Flair. The grinning seemed out of place, almost as if Tunney was in cahoots with Flair in this scheme to steal the championship from Hulk Hogan. Flair gave a great victory speech, subtly denouncing the WCW title and putting himself over as “the man” in the WWF… Woooooo!!!

WRESTLEMANIA VIII
April 5, 1992
Indianapolis, Indiana

A lot went down in between Pay-Per-Views. WWF President Jack Tunney announced Hulk Hogan as the #1 Contender. A decision that didn’t sit well with Sid Justice. There was an important edition of the Saturday Night’s Main Event which changed the shape of WrestleMania. Coliseum Home Video footage of the Royal Rumble was played, but with the audio tampered with to make it appear as if the fans were cheering Hogan and booing Sid. Hogan and Sid then teamed up to face Ric Flair and The Undertaker. Sid, apparently jealous of Hulk Hogan, walked out on The Hulkster. Angered by the double-cross, Hulk would eventually relinquish his spot in the WWF Championship Match at WrestleMania VIII in favor of a grudge match with Sid. “Macho Man” Randy Savage defeated Jake “The Snake” Roberts later on this same telecast, bringing an end to their rivalry. Roberts remained lurking backstage, ready to attack Savage and Miss Elizabeth with a steel chair, but The Undertaker came to their rescue. Apparently, Undertaker was done being a minion. Savage was now available to be ranked the new #1 Contender for Ric Flair’s WWF Championship.

I saw Hulk Hogan vs. Ric Flair on the Madison Square Garden Channel a few days after Survivor Series 1991 because the MSG houseshows received limited TV coverage, but those who didn’t live in New York City had to wait until WCW’s Bash at the Beach 1994 to see the clash of titans. Any criticism of WrestleMania VIII seems to be directed solely of the fact that Hulk Hogan didn’t wrestle Ric Flair, but I still give this PPV high marks. Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan called all the action, and The Brain was in rare form, excited to see an alleged centerfold of Miss Elizabeth, but more on that later.

Shawn Michaels defeated Tito Santana in the opener. Shawn was now being managed by Sensational Sherri and had adopted the moniker, “Boy Toy.” He wasn’t exactly “Mr. WrestleMania” yet, but it was still a solid match. Tito was a two time Intercontinental Champion and a one time WWF Tag Team Champion, who had impressively competed at every WrestleMania. The only superstar to do so besides Hulk Hogan. This was his final WrestleMania and he did a good job of putting Shawn over. Next, it was Jake “The Snake” Roberts vs. The Undertaker. It was a slow paced match that may not hold up today, but it was unprecedented at the time to see Undertaker survive not one, but two DDTs. Undertaker recovered and hit Roberts with a Tombstone on floor for the win. His undefeated streak was 2&0. Roberts left the WWF after this match and had a brief stint in WCW. He wouldn’t return to the WWF until the 1996 Royal Rumble.

“Rowdy” Roddy Piper, reigning Intercontinental Champion, verbally ran down the #1 Contender, Bret “Hit Man” Hart during the pre-match interview. Bret was no match for The Hot Rod when it came to trash talking, but the match itself was probably the best IC title match since Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat at WrestleMania III. The finish (Bret countering the sleeper) was so great that the spot would be recreated by The Hit Man and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin at Survivor Series 1996. Then, it was a false finish in The Rock / Steve Austin match at WrestleMania XVII. Bret was bloodied, but won the Intercontinental Championship for the second time in his career. Roddy Piper was leaving the WWF once again and, in a way, passed the torch to The Hit Man.

Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, and Bret “Hit Man” Hart would be three of the top stars during the WWF’s “New Generation.” WrestleMania VIII helped to pave the way for their ascension.

The eight man tag team match was only noteworthy for Bobby Heenan ignoring the action to urgently inform us that “Shawn Michaels has left the building.” In the non-wrestling segments, The Legion of Doom (Hawk & Animal) announced that they were once again being managed by Paul Ellering, who had guided them in the NWA. Bobby Heenan also introduced the newest star of the WBF (World Bodybuilding Federation), that being “The Total Package” Lex Luger, but the WBF fizzled quickly and Lex Luger would not join the WWF roster until the 1993 Royal Rumble.

The first half of the advertised double main event was next. “Nature Boy” Ric Flair (w/ “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig in his corner) defending the WWF Championship against “Macho Man” Randy Savage. As soon as Savage was ranked the #1 Contender, Flair made the audacious claim that he had been intimate with Miss Elizabeth in the past. He really knew how to push Savage’s buttons. Flair was bloodied just as Bret Hart was in the Intercontinental Championship Match. It’s hard to say which was the better match since they told very different stories. Mr. Perfect, who was unable to compete due to a back injury, interfered throughout the match. Miss Elizabeth came down to ringside and was surrounded by officials, including a young Shane McMahon. Savage won with a roll-up and handful of trunks. It may seem odd for the face to cheat, but it was Ric Flair getting his “comeupins” for always being the dirtiest player in the game. The physicality continued after the match with Flair and Perfect attacking Savage’s injured knee. The officials pinned Savage down, allowing the heels some free shots. Why wasn’t anyone restraining them? It took three years, but Randy Savage was again the WWF Champion. Both Savage and Flair gave great post-match interviews. This feud was so good that is was rekindled in WCW. This was the final WWF Pay-Per-View for Miss Elizabeth as she and Randy Savage divorced later in 1992. Elizabeth spent time in WCW like all the other past WWF stars, managing Ric Flair for a period. She died of a drug overdose in 2003 😦

“Native American” Tatanka, in his PPV debut, defeated Rick “The Model” Martel. This was before they feuded over Tatanka’s sacred feather. Money Inc. (“The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase & Irwin R. Shyster) defended the WWF Tag Team Championships against The Natural Disasters (Earthquake & Typhoon). Again, a lot had changed since the Royal Rumble. Ted DiBiase had allowed Sensational Sherri to leave him for Shawn Michaels, which was out of character of him, stepping aside for the happiness of others. DiBiase then formed a partnership with I.R.S. and they stole The Natural Disasters’ title shot and manager, Jimmy “Mouth of the South” Hart, turning The Disasters face. None of this was really explained to the audience and you needed to piece it together yourself. Money Inc. intentionally got counted out, losing the match, but retaining the gold. This was the first time that Ted DiBiase held a recognized championship.

The second half of the advertised double main event was hyped a “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan’s potential “farewell” match. The WWF did a masterful job of getting the fans back on Hulk’s bandwagon after a rough couple of months. The reason that Hulk didn’t wrestle Ric Flair and was leaving the WWF was because a steroid scandal was heating up and Hulk needed to get out of dodge. Randy Savage had been laying off the juice for over a year, so he was the logical candidate to take the title from Flair. Hulk Hogan vs. Sid Justice was decent match, but nothing spectacular. The wild finish is what saved the match. Sid actually kicked out of Hogan’s atomic leg-drop, because Papa Shango, who was suppose to break up the pinfall, missed his cue. Dr. Harvey Wippleman entered the ring and bought some time until Papa Shango finally arrived. Sid and Papa Shango beat down Hulk Hogan and it looked like it was the end of Hulkamania… until The Ultimate Warrior reemerged from “parts unknown” to make the save!!! Opponents from two years ago, Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior stood triumphant. Of course, Warrior looked somewhat different than last we saw him. He had lost weight (from also cutting back on the steroids) and cut his hair short. This began the urban legend that this wasn’t the real Ultimate Warrior.

What I enjoy about this WrestleMania is that the stars of 1980s were showcased along with who would be the stars of the 1990s. We didn’t get Hulk Hogan vs. Ric Flair, but there were two great championship matches and an awesome surprise return. This was also the end of Hulk Hogan’s first run in the WWF. He had main-evented seven of the first eight WrestleManias and won the WWF Championship a record four times. The Hulkster would be considered somewhat passé for the next several years, but that first decade of Hulkamania will never be recreated. Even the “Austin Era” only lasted three years. John Cena has been the face of the WWE for about eight years, but during this time, the WWE has not reached the heights of the Rock & Wrestling Era or the Attitude Era. Hulkamania will live forever… brother!!!

SUMMERSLAM
August 29, 1992
London, England

This was the first WWF Pay-Per-View that I didn’t watch live since I’d begun to follow the promotion back in 1988. It aired two days later here in the USA and the results had already been printed in the local newspapers, so my father didn’t want to spend money on a show when he already knew the outcome of all the matches. I rented a VHS copy about five years later. It was like visiting with some old friends. Vince McMahon and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan called the action from Wembley Stadium. This was the first and, thus far, only international SummerSlam.

Three dark matches were included on the video release, but the opening match on the live show was The Legion of Doom (Hawk & Animal) w/ Paul Ellering in their corner vs. Money Inc. (“The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase & Irwin R. Shyster) w/ Jimmy “Mouth of the South” Hart in their corner. The L.O.D. rode motorcycles to the ring, one of the most famous entrances in pro-wrestling history. The Million Dollar Man wore white ring gear for the only time at a PPV, which I thought looked pretty cool. More bad guys should wear white. Animal and Hawk were victorious. I falsely remembered that this match was for the WWF Tag Team Championships, but The Natural Disasters (Earthquake & Typhoon) were the reigning champions at this time, defending against The Beverley Brothers (Beau & Blake). It’s good know that Earthquake held at least one major title in his career.

Shawn Michaels vs. Rick “The Model” Martel was rare heel vs. heel match. Sensational Sherri was with Shawn, but also crushing on The Model, so she stipulated that neither man could strike the other in the face. These two had a lot in common. They had both betrayed their tag team partners and taken on “pretty boy” gimmicks. The match ended in a double count out. Martel played to the crowd more. I guess the more experienced heel is, by default, the baby-face. Crush defeated Repo Man, who was his former tag team partner. They had been members of Demolition back when Repo Man was known as Smash.

The Undertaker vs. “The Ugandan Giant” Kamala was a “bowling shoe ugly” match, but Undertaker also made a famous entrance, riding a hearse to the ring. The following match, however, was atrociously bad. I think the fault may lie more with Kamala than it does The Undertaker. The match ended in a DQ, meaning that the feud wasn’t over.

Curiously, “Nature Boy” Ric Flair did not have a match. He was on hand and in his ring gear, but was only there to be the straw that stirs the drink. Flair claimed to have struck a deal with either “Macho Man” Randy Savage or The Ultimate Warrior. Only time would tell which. I don’t why Flair couldn’t have a match of his own and still interject himself in the title match?

“Macho Man” Randy Savage defended the WWF Championship against The Ultimate Warrior in a rematch from WrestleMania VII. Shockingly, the fans in England were not only rooting for The Warrior, but I heard some boos for The Macho Man. I thought that the fans across the pond were more sophisticated than us yanks? There’s nothing wrong with supporting The Warrior, but why jeer Randy Savage? You’d assume that Savage would win this match since The Warrior won their prior confrontation at WrestleMania VII, but Warrior was victorious once again, via count out. Ric Flair and “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig attacked both champion and challenger, playing mind games, but no one wanted their help. The Ultimate Warrior won the match, but not the title. Randy Savage suffered a knee injury which would come into play in his next championship defense.

For the first and only time, the Intercontinental Championship Match would be the main event of a PPV (not counting the title-for-title match at WrestleMania VI). Bret “Hit Man” Hart defending against his own brother-in-law, “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith. Diana Hart-Smith was torn as to whom to root for. Her brother or her husband? The first time that Hart Family drama played out as a WWF storyline. Lennox Lewis, a world boxing champion, accompanied Davey Boy to the ring. Vince McMahon tried to make to seem as if the crowd was split down the middle, but they were clearly rooting for their hometown hero, Davey Boy. The match itself is considered one of the great (if not the greatest) IC title matches. The British Bulldog won with a roll-up, perhaps the crowning achievement of his career. The Hit Man was dejected, but his sister helped to smooth things over between the two superstars.

Hulk Hogan vs. The Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VI was for both the WWF and Intercontinental Championships. Diesel and Shawn Michaels vs. Yokozuna and Davey Boy Smith (filling in for Owen Hart) at In Your House III was for all three titles, same with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Triple H vs. The Undertaker and Kane at Judgment Day 2001. SummerSlam 1992 was the only time that the prestigious Intercontinental Championship held the main event spotlight by itself. It was also the only international SummerSlam, the only SummerSlam held in an open-air venue, and it may have had a higher attendance that WrestleMania III, even if Vince McMahon is too proud to admit it. Why is he so protective of WrestleMania? What’s wrong with SummerSlam holding an attendance record?

SURVIVOR SERIES
November 25, 1992
Richfield, Ohio

The Thanksgiving Eve tradition continued, but the traditional Survivor Series tag team elimination matches were nowhere to be found. I could harp on that, but instead I will illustrate how this was the beginning of a new era in the World Wrestling Federation.

The trend that started a year prior, having big moments occur between PPVs as oppose to at them, also continued. On WWF Prime Time, “Macho Man” Randy Savage lost the WWF Championship to “Nature Boy” Ric Flair. A newcomer, “The Bad Guy” Razor Ramon interfered in that match. Ric Flair then lost the title to Bret “Hit Man” Hart at a Coliseum Home Video taping in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (say that five times fast). At the Saturday Night’s Main Event, “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith lost the Intercontinental Championship to Shawn Michaels. Michaels did not have Sensational Sherri in his corner because he had used her as a human shield when Marty Jannetty made his triumphant return. Jannetty accidentally struck Sherri with a mirror intended for Michaels. If that wasn’t enough madness, Randy Savage and The Ultimate Warrior formed a tag team called “The Ultimate Maniacs” and they were to square off with Ric Flair and Razor Ramon at Survivor Series, but The Warrior abruptly left the WWF. It is possible that steroids were a factor in his departure. Steroids were definitely the reason that The British Bulldog dropped the IC title to Shawn Michaels and was subsequently released.

Randy Savage needed a replacement for The Ultimate Warrior and he would shockingly choose the “perfect” tag team partner, “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan disrespected Mr. Perfect by refusing on his behalf. They weren’t called “The Heenan Family,” but Mr. Perfect was part of a clique with Ric Flair and Razor Ramon who were guided by The Brain. Mr. Perfect poured a pitcher of ice water onto Heenan and agreed to Randy Savage’s proposition, turning face for the first time in his WWF run. This was a time when the phrase “card subject to change” really meant something.

Vince McMahon and Bobby Heenan were on commentary. The Big Boss Man defeated Nailz in a “Nightstick on a Pole” Match. Nailz, who had an ex-con gimmick, allegedly attacked Vince McMahon after this show over a pay dispute and was immediately fired. “Native American” Tatanka defeated Rick “The Model” Martel once again in a rematch from WrestleMania VIII. This time they were feuding over Tatanka’s sacred feather.

“Macho Man” Randy Savage and Mr. Perfect defeated Ric Flair and Razor Ramon via disqualification. A quality match and the fans really embraced Mr. Perfect as good guy. “The Mighty” Yokozuna, managed by Mr. Fuji, made his PPV debut, defeating Virgil. Yokozuna would a force to be reckoned with in the mid-1990s the same way that Andre the Giant was in the 1980s.

There was only one traditional Survivor Series tag team elimination match on the card, Money Inc. (“The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase & Irwin R. Shyster) teaming with The Beverley Brothers (Beau & Blake) to take on The Nasty Boys (Jerry Sags & Brian Knobbs) and The Natural Disasters (Earthquake & Typhoon). Like The Disasters, The Nasty Boys had left Jimmy “Mouth of the South” Hart’s stable and turned face, but who really cares? And I can’t believe that I’m mentioning The Beverley Brothers for a third time. The Nasty Boys were the survivors.

The Undertaker defeated “The Ugandan Giant” Kamala in a “Coffin” Match, which was slightly better than their match at SummerSlam, but the bar wasn’t set too high. Since then, this type of match has been called a “Casket” Match. Kamala was managed by Dr. Harvey Wippleman, who promised that there would reprisals for The Undertaker.

In the evening’s main event, Bret “Hit Man” Hart defended the WWF Championship against Shawn Michaels, the reigning Intercontinental Champion. Definitely, this was the beginning of the “New Generation.” The last time that the WWF Champion fought the Intercontinental Champion, it was “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan vs. The Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VI. They were both gone now. Ric Flair would be returning to WCW after the 1993 Royal Rumble and Randy Savage would split his time between in-ring competition and color commentary for the next two years. Vince McMahon made the decision to showcase younger talent. Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels would spend the next five years battling for the soul of the WWF. The “Excellence of Execution” vs. the “Showstopper.”

HBK’s IC title was not on the line, only The Hit Man’s WWF Championship. Round one of their storied rivalry went to Bret Hart, who caught Shawn Michaels coming off the top rope and locked in the Sharpshooter, his patented submission hold. This spot was used as a false finish during the Iron Man Match at WrestleMania XII. Everyone dwells on the infamous Montreal “Screw-job,” but their first main event showdown is also noteworthy. It’s ironic that The Hit Man’s first WWF Pay-Per-View main event was against Shawn Michaels at the Survivor Series, just as his last would be five years later. Almost as if it was destined.